This is far from the first time that Turkish nationalists have let their anger obscure their common sense.

In July nationalists protesting China's treatment of its Turkic Uighur minority set upon a group of Korean tourists, thinking they were Chinese.

Several foreign missions, including Russia, Sweden and the Netherlands, have their Istanbul consulates directly on Istiklal Street, a legacy of early diplomatic ties with the Ottoman Empire where Beyoglu was considered the European quarter of the city.